April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

ORLANDO, Fla., – Every nine minutes, someone in the U.S. learns that they have Parkinson's disease. More than 60,000 new cases of the progressive brain disorder are diagnosed each year, and over one million Americans currently live with the disease. Approximately 20,000 of them are Central Floridians.

To help generate awareness and understanding – and to raise funds to find a cure – the Parkinson Association of Central Florida (PACF) will hold its 8th annual Walk for Parkinson on Saturday, April 2, at Cranes Roost Park, 274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs. Registration starts at 8 a.m.; opening ceremonies commence at 9; and the walk begins at 9:30. Participants can register as individuals, or in teams, at www.parkinsoncf.org/walk2022.

John Gabriel, Executive Advisor for the Orlando Magic and PACF board member, will kick off the event.

“As someone who is living with Parkinson’s, I understand the many challenges it can bring to an individual and their family,” Gabriel said. “We are striving to reach our goal of bringing world-class care for movement disorders to our community.”

In addition to fundraising, the Walk for Parkinson highlights movement and exercise as a symbol of hope and progress in finding a cure. Parkinson’s disease affects the ability to move, and can lead to tremors, slow movement, and problems with balance and walking. But studies show that improving flexibility and mobility through movement is a beneficial and proven way to help manage symptoms of the disease.

“Our aim is to encourage people to stay active and ‘move’ for better health – and one of the ways they can do that is to join the Walk for Parkinson,” said Cheryl Bennett, Executive Director of PACF. “Whether participants enter as a team or join the event as individuals, they'll get a chance to move with hundreds of supporters who share a common goal to help beat Parkinson's.”

This year, PACF hopes to raise $150,000 for research and local community programs that enhance the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Funds will also go toward a $250,000 pledge to help develop a comprehensive Parkinson’s and movement disorder specialty program at AdventHealth, as well as other local Parkinson’s initiatives.